Isn't this blogging world a marvelous thing? I never knew I could get so much inspiration and grab so many ideas from my blogging friends. Just the other day, as I was reading from my blog list, I ran into something so interesting, I had to jump on it. My friend, Shayla, had created a beautiful embroidery from a site I had never heard of. Naturally, I had to link to it and I was amazed at the artistry. The beauty of the painted mandala was amazing. Now, I've painted in my life.....but I didn't think I needed to switch passions at this stage to obtain the same look. Thankfully, the blog owner had 5 free coloring pages ready for download for the public. (And guess what public person took advantage??) Man, I couldn't wait to grab those beauties from the printer although, I must admit they were a bit small for what I intended.
After looking them over, I decided to run to my local copy place to increase them to something workable and 135% was perfect! I'm telling you, I had already picked out colors in my head on my drive home.
For some reason, I've become a slacker, and it seems it's much easier for me lately to choose crayons than fabric. All those cute little things sitting on my table are so much easier than that dining room table loaded with decisions. Besides, I knew I'd never be able to piece such small stuff so it was a good excuse for me to do my trusty crayon method of making a quilt.
First, the pattern:
Naturally, as you've seen me explain in the past, I traced the image onto my fabric (and that took an age, believe me), backed it with freezer paper for stability and I was ready to go.
Oh, it was so much fun sharpening my crayons as I continued coloring. I'm telling you, that coloring process makes me smile every time. I guess I've never grown up! LOL
I wasn't sure if I should color in the background or not, so I didn't. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure at that point if I even really liked it. BUT, I sandwiched it anyway and decided to finish it. I started the outlining on the inside lines.
It sure was a challenge to try to get those lines smooth looking and I'm hoping the next one is better, but I tried my best. At this point, I was really wondering if anyone would see this. Sometimes stuff doesn't look so cool in process, but I was hoping it would "grow" on me. In any event, I had fun coloring so that's the way I was thinking!!! LOLI actually surprised myself when it was done. I really liked it and then I was happy I had taken all these pictures along the way to show you. Now, I'm anxious to make another one and maybe one after that. After all, I did copy all 5 free coloring pages!! LOL
The buttons help...don't you think??? I bet you all are copying those pages yourself now, aren't you??? Ah-ha......I knew it!!! Enjoy!
19 comments:
oh Carol this is not a piece of art..it is a museum piece lol
Precioso!!!
Carol-
This is stunning. I haven't heard of using the crayons before. Do they bleed when washed? What about ironing? How do they wear after time?
I'd love it if you could either answer this in another post, or you can email me directly. So curious about your beautiful piece!
xoxo
Donna
Oh...I just scanned down to find your crayon tutorial! Lucky me!!! I'm off to learn something new. Thanks!
xoxo
Donna
That's gorgeous! The timing is so funny. A few weeks ago I was searching the internet for Mandala quilts. It's on my list of things to do!
You are so right about inspiration from fellow bloggers. When I first saw the drawings, I couldn't imagine what you would do with them, but reading on further, WOW you did incredible things. I absolutley love it! And yes I had to run over and download my own copy of these drawings. Thanks for sharing and kicking me in the proverbial creative "butt" :-) I really needed it!
You are so creative! I love this and all your work!
This is just fabulous! I think I've got to try it!
I wasn´t sure about the final look of your Mandala when I saw the first pics, but the final result is absolutely - don´t find the right words for it - adorable, gorgeous, beautiful, a festival for the eyes!
Anja
Beautiful work Carol. LOVE the buttons. I enjoyed learning about Mandalas when I traveled Nepal and India 20 years ago. I watched a Hindu holy man make one out of saffron powder for hours on the ground outside a temple. At the ends of each mandala wheel, women placed an offering of rice in a banana leaf bowl. Beautiful.
Beautiful! Think I'm gonna have to try this one. I love to color (even when the grandkids aren't around) :)
You betcha. I went right to their site and copied the art. Like I said you have given art of crayons a new twist. Thanks. I wonder how many of us can colour with different colours and make them all so different.
Looks fantastic Carol!!
Outstanding! I love your color choices & those teeny-tiny buttons are just the right touch!
Your free motion work, Carol, just gets better & better with each project. BRAVO!!
I just want to say this is my first time on your blog, and I have just spent the last four hours reading and admiring and being inspired and motivated. I am such a fan now. Thank you for sharing so much! I see crayon coloring, mug rugs, and all kinds of sweet new things in my future, thanks to you and your blog.
Wow! That is stunning! Must head over and check that site out! Bubbles@135
wow! WoW!! WOW!!! This is spectacular!! I x-stitch quite a bit, and the one thing I always noticed -- it looked ok until I did all the backstitching, then it took on a life of its own :) As always ... amazing work!!
I tried this today but apparently should have asked this question first. What kind of pencil did you use to trace the design? I used a quilt marking pencil but it really bled into the crayon. Perhaps a mechanical pencil? It was still fun doing all that coloring!
o.k. where did you find these coloring pages. I too love coloring and after seeing the way you have outlined them in black I wannaaaaaaaa try this too! love it! take care LInda
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